2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 260 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 507 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
